The blockchain ecosystem is evolving rapidly, and few platforms are gaining momentum as quickly as The Open Network (TON). With its seamless integration into Telegram — one of the world’s most widely used messaging apps — TON is uniquely positioned to bring decentralized applications (dApps) to over 900 million users worldwide.
At the heart of this growth is the $10 million Telegram Growth Hub, a joint initiative by OKX Ventures, The Open Platform (TOP), and Folius Ventures. This accelerator program is designed to empower innovative teams building real-world, scalable solutions on TON. After a rigorous selection process, seven pioneering projects have been chosen for the first cohort — each bringing a unique vision for how blockchain can enhance everyday experiences.
These teams will receive capital, technical support, mentorship, and access to key industry networks to fast-track their development. Let’s explore the projects shaping the future of TON.
Real-World Utility: Bridging Physical Assets with Blockchain
ShareX: Powering the Sharing Economy on TON
ShareX is building a decentralized sharing economy framework powered by its proprietary DesHare Protocol. Starting with shared power banks, ShareX aims to tokenize real-world physical assets and integrate them into the TON ecosystem. This allows users to rent, track, and earn from shared devices through transparent, trustless smart contracts.
By leveraging TON’s high-speed, low-cost infrastructure, ShareX ensures seamless microtransactions — essential for pay-per-use models. Their goal? To expand beyond power banks into bikes, scooters, and other urban mobility solutions.
👉 Discover how blockchain is transforming everyday rentals and unlocking new passive income streams.
Up Network: Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Meets Ambient Intelligence
Up Network introduces ambient intelligence — systems that proactively respond to user needs — into decentralized physical infrastructure (DePIN). Supported by Borderless Capital and Animoca Brands, Up Network enables devices like sensors and IoT hardware to autonomously interact, share data, and earn rewards.
This project taps into the growing DePIN trend, where individuals contribute real-world resources (like bandwidth or storage) to decentralized networks. On TON, Up Network ensures fast settlement and secure device identity management, making large-scale deployment feasible.
Financial Infrastructure: Building the Backbone of TON’s Economy
Zoo Finance INL: Liquid Node Tokens for Smarter Staking
Zoo Finance INL is redefining node ownership with Liquid Node Tokens (LNTs) — tradable digital assets representing stakes in network nodes. Traditionally, running a node requires technical expertise and long-term commitment. LNTs democratize access by allowing partial ownership and instant liquidity.
Backed by CMS Holdings and Signum Capital, Zoo Finance INL standardizes node participation across blockchains, starting with TON. Users can trade LNTs like any other token while still earning staking rewards — combining flexibility with yield generation.
This innovation could significantly boost network decentralization by lowering entry barriers for retail participants.
Social Experiences & Gaming: Where Community Meets Fun
Aria: A Full-Fledged Gaming Ecosystem on TON
Aria is crafting a comprehensive gaming universe built entirely on TON. With support from Folius Ventures and Galaxy Interactive, the team is developing both player-driven games and developer tools to grow a sustainable game economy.
What sets Aria apart is its focus on play-to-own mechanics, where players truly own in-game assets as NFTs. These can be traded, upgraded, or used across multiple titles within the ecosystem. Combined with TON’s near-instant transactions, Aria delivers smooth gameplay without gas fee friction.
Heyo: Location-Based Social Discovery
Heyo reimagines social networking through location-based interactions. Think of it as a decentralized blend of social discovery and gamified check-ins — all running on TON.
Users can create events, meet others nearby, and unlock rewards based on physical presence and engagement. Whether attending concerts or joining local meetups, Heyo turns real-world socializing into a rewarding experience powered by blockchain.
It’s an ideal use case for TON’s scalability and Telegram integration, enabling instant invites and wallet-less participation via mini-apps.
Metya: AI-Powered Dating Meets DePIN
Metya is building the next generation of dating platforms by combining artificial intelligence with decentralized infrastructure. Unlike traditional apps that centralize user data, Metya gives individuals control over their profiles and matches.
AI algorithms personalize matchmaking while preserving privacy through on-chain verification. Additionally, Metya incorporates DePIN principles — users who contribute computing power or data validation can earn tokens, incentivizing platform growth.
Hosted on TON, Metya benefits from fast identity verification and secure messaging capabilities native to Telegram.
FunX: Gamifying Creativity with ‘Coin Wars’
FunX aims to spark creativity and fun through a platform for user-generated mini-games. Its flagship game, Coin Wars, launched as a Telegram mini-app, invites players to compete in fast-paced challenges using TON-based tokens.
The broader vision? To become a hub for creators to launch interactive experiences directly within Telegram. With built-in monetization tools and easy distribution via chat groups, FunX lowers the barrier for indie developers.
Accelerating Innovation: What the Cohort Gains
Selected teams participate in a two-month intensive acceleration program tailored for rapid development on TON. Benefits include:
- Funding for hiring talent and growing communities
- Technical resources, including access to OKX Mini Wallet — a powerful tool that simplifies wallet integration for developers building on TON
- Mentorship from blockchain experts and leaders in product, marketing, and compliance
- Networking opportunities with investors and ecosystem partners from OKX, TOP, and Folius Ventures
This holistic support system ensures startups don’t just survive — they scale effectively.
👉 See how developers are using cutting-edge tools to build the future of Web3 on Telegram.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the Telegram Growth Hub?
A: It’s a $10 million accelerator program launched by OKX Ventures, The Open Platform (TOP), and Folius Ventures to support early-stage projects building on The Open Network (TON).
Q: Why is TON gaining so much attention?
A: TON offers ultra-fast transactions, low fees, and deep integration with Telegram’s massive global user base — making it ideal for mass-market dApps in gaming, social, finance, and DePIN.
Q: Can anyone apply to future cohorts?
A: Yes! The program welcomes developers and founders building practical blockchain applications on TON. Applications remain open for upcoming rounds.
Q: What kind of projects are prioritized?
A: The focus is on real-world utility — including DeFi, gaming, social platforms, AI integrations, and decentralized physical infrastructure (DePIN).
Q: How does OKX Mini Wallet help developers?
A: It streamlines wallet onboarding for users within Telegram mini-apps, enabling frictionless access to TON-based dApps without requiring prior crypto knowledge.
Q: Are these projects already live?
A: Some are in testnet or early launch phases. Over the coming months, expect major updates and public releases from the cohort.
The $10 million Telegram Growth Hub isn’t just funding startups — it’s fueling the next wave of mainstream blockchain adoption. By combining capital, mentorship, and strategic infrastructure like OKX Mini Wallet, this initiative is helping visionary teams turn ideas into impactful products.
As TON continues to scale alongside Telegram’s ecosystem, these seven projects represent just the beginning of what’s possible when blockchain meets billions.
👉 Be part of the next breakthrough in Web3 — explore opportunities in the TON ecosystem today.